Built Any Bridges Lately?

Last week I didn’t post “Matt’s Thoughts” because I spent most of my time at our local county fair. For the last 34 years, I’ve spent a week during the summer working at the fair. (Except 2021 when fairs weren’t permitted due to Covid) The county fair has been a great opportunity to rub shoulders with people I see little the rest of the year. I look for ways to “love my neighbor” and “pastor” the community. Here’s some examples of opportunities I took to let my “light shine.” The fair is a time to build bridges. I met a man recovering from a near death accident. He explained, in very colorful speech, the extent of his injuries. After listening to his story, I challenged him, from my survival story. I told him he lived survived for a reason and needed to ask God why he survived. He didn’t fully grasp the challenge. So I challenged him again: “God let you live for a reason, and you need to ask Him why you're still here.” He understood and I hope the question of survival challenges him like it did me in 1996. I greeted a woman who had just gone through the loss of a loved one. I greeted her and asked her how her pregnancy was going. She told me, with tears, that she had miscarried during the midst of grieving. I put my arm around her shoulder and prayed for her, while others around us waited for food. I celebrated with a woman whose son has been sober for a year. At the 2021 fair, she told me about the anguish and pain of watching her son abuse alcohol. I prayed with her at the 2021 fair. A year later, she is celebrating to have her son back, working, and making healthy choices. I spent an hour sitting and talking with a couple who I’ve made friends with over the years. They come from a different philosophy of life than me, and we disagree on many aspects of life. But I love this couple and appreciate the opportunity to discuss life, politics, morality and the issues facing humanity from a “faith” point of view. The Apostle Peter instructed the early church “Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have, but answer in a gentle way and with respect.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NCV) I try to tell and show people the reason I have for hope. I take the last part of Peter’s instructions seriously: “In a gentle way and with respect.” Gentleness and respect build bridges with people who interpret life differently than me. Bridges make crossing over to faith possible. Few people fight the currents to faith. People cross bridges to faith. I encourage you to look for ways to build bridges by responding with gentleness and respect. Jesus will use your “loving your neighbor” to change lives.

Who Has Your Trust?

The recent photographs of galaxies, solar systems, and stars from the Webb Telescope are fascinating. The images test the imagination of what exists in the universe. If creation is that amazing and immense, the Creator must be exponentially more! (Here is a link to the Webb Space Telescope Gallery - https://webbtelescope.org/news/first-images/gallery) By nature, the Creator must be outside of the creation in the same way an artist is connected to their art but is outside their creation. God is outside creation but is intimately aware and concerned about his creation. God did not create and then remove himself from creation. He has stayed intimately involved. Jesus told the crowds following Him, “The hairs on your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:30 ESV) When he taught the disciples about prayer, he told them not to “babble on and on” because “the Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” (Matthew 6:7-8 NLT) King David realized he could not hide his thoughts from God, since God knows our thoughts. “You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. … You know what I am going to say even before I say it.” (Psalms 139:2-5 NLT) The Gospels describe Jesus’ knowledge of people’s thoughts. “Jesus knew their thoughts …” and “Jesus knowing their thoughts …” and “He knew what was in a man …” Adam and Eve’s disobedience and rebellion against God could be described as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). They were told eating the fruit of the tree would open their eyes, and they didn’t want to miss out. Fear is one of the first emotions described in the creation account. But Jesus told the disciples to “Not be afraid …” because the hair on their head was numbered. God is grander than everything the Webb Telescope is revealing yet aware of every hair on your head. You do not need to be afraid. Nothing that happens in your life or in the universe takes God by surprise. Take a deep breath, grab God’s hand and tell him, “I’m trusting you! Thank you for caring for me.”

The Heavens Proclaim the Glory of God

If you have not taken the opportunity to look at the recently released pictures from the Webb telescope, you should. The pictures are from the farthest distance in space. They are only the initial pictures shot while technicians test the equipment. There will be many more amazing pictures to come. The Webb telescope can see 13.8 billion light years into space. King David declared, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.” Psalms 19:1-4 (NLT) I’m always amazed at the precision of creation making life possible. Our solar system is where it needs to be in the Milky Way to enable life. Our star is the exact type of star for carbon-based life. Planet earth is in the inhabitable zone, sometimes called the “Goldilocks” zone. If earth were a minute distance closer or farther from the sun, life would be impossible. The location and orbit of the moon create weather patterns and tides that sustain and replenish life. Because of the pitch of the planet, life thrives on much of the earth. The location of Saturn and Jupiter stabilize the solar system and prevent space debris from destroying the earth. I could go on and on about the wonder of the precision that makes life possible on earth. As some have said, “it would take more faith to believe this all happened by chance than to believe there is a Creator.” Man is constantly searching, listening and hoping to find intelligent life in the universe and make contact. Contact has already happened. Jesus came to reveal the intelligence, God to you. The real visitor from beyond the heavens is Jesus. He visited earth 2,000 years ago and is still active in lives across the planet. Why do people search for intelligent life and yet turn away from Jesus? The Apostle John proclaimed, “Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14 (NLT) “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.” Hebrews 1:3 (NLT) You don’t need to look any further than Jesus. He is the intelligent life sent by the Father to reveal the character of God to you and me.

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

The Declaration of Independence includes the famous words “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” describe the “inalienable rights” given by God to all men. The Declaration of Independence never said happiness was an inalienable right, but the inalienable right is the “pursuit of happiness.” People pursue happiness through money, possessions, self-medication, other people, accomplishments, pleasures, conquests, and domination. The pursuit of happiness often leaves people empty and unsatisfied. 1,600 years ago, Augustine, perhaps the most influential theologian in church history, wrote “Every man, whatsoever his condition, desires to be happy.” 300 years ago, French philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal, wrote, “All men seek happiness. This is without exception.” C.S. Lewis wrote about the pursuing of happiness in his famous book, Mere Christianity. “Over the centuries, men have tried to invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside of God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history – greed, poverty, selfish ambition, war, prostitution, classes, brutal empires, slavery – the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” “The reason why it can never succeed in this? God made us; invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything else. God designed humans to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way, without bothering to have a relationship with Himself. God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” Lewis’ words echo Saint Augustine’s famous statements from Confessions. “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” God created you and me to find rest in Him. When we rest in God, happiness and peace can be ours. King David said the same things this way “I will be happy because of you; God Most High, I will sing praises to your name.” Psalms 9:2 (NCV) God is the source of happiness. Don’t seek happiness from some other source. Other sources will only disappoint you. God, teach us to seek completeness in you! AMEN

Faithful Follower of Jesus

The section of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5:1-12, is known as “the Beatitudes”. Reading the Beatitudes is instructive and challenges the reader’s heart. They are as powerful as any words ever spoken. However, the release of transformative power occurs not just when read, but when acted upon. The power is in the “doing.” Jesus declared God blesses those who realize their need for him, those who mourn, are humble and merciful. He blesses those who have pure hearts, and work for peace. Jesus wraps up the Beatitudes proclaiming that God blesses those who suffer, mocked, lied about, and have evil things said about them because they have done right and are following him. God doesn’t just bless anyone who suffers, mocked, lied about, and has evil things said about them. The believer is not rewarded for being a loud and obnoxious jerk. The believer is not rewarded for run-of-the-mill hardships or for self-inflicted struggles. Christian’s love to label every hardship as an “attack.” “If you are talking about your Christian faith in a feckless way, a tactless way, an abrasive way, a culturally inappropriate way, and people oppose you, don’t say, ‘I am being persecuted for Jesus’ sake.’ No, you are being persecuted for your sake. If you are being obnoxious, the promise of blessedness doesn’t hold.” (Tim Keller, Faith in the Wilderness, Forward) God blesses those who go through these hardships because they do right, and because they are following Jesus and His teachings. Jesus told his followers they should be happy when they face hardship for staying true to Him and His teachings. Those who encounter struggles, hardship and suffering because the way of Jesus is counter to culture have a great reward waiting for them. Follow Jesus’ teachings and example, the reward waiting for you will be worth the “light momentary affliction” from those who don’t like the stance you take or your faithful following of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV) Remain faithful to follow Jesus when everyone around you is going in a different direction.

A Time For Compassion And Prayer

By now, you are aware of the historic ruling by the Supreme Court overturning the 50-year-old Roe vs. Wade law that legalized abortion. The justices split 6-3 on the ruling. Like many of you, I’m gratified with the decision. I’ve prayed to end abortion. I’ve given money, signed petitions and supported the work of the local Pregnancy Care Center. I believe the Author of life is the only one who can determine when life should end. My conviction is not only about abortion but “end of life” decisions and capital punishment. I believe it is naïve to think that people on the “Right to Choose” side of the issue have evil intent. I believe most are concerned about women who find themselves in a kaleidoscope of issues when they discover they are pregnant. The issues can be overwhelming. I disagree with their conclusion about the best course of action to help women. I refuse to take a gloating posture at the court’s ruling. I will not brag about winning or taunt others as having lost. The court’s ruling will have a significant ripple effect on American culture. It will further alienate parties. Families will fracture over the issue. On the last day that Jesus entered Jerusalem, he stopped at a spot overlooking the city. As he looked over the city he prayed and wept. “As he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41–42 (NLT) Jesus’ response to the condition of the world was compassion and prayer. I believe that is the correct attitude and response of Jesus’ followers, who are “keeping in step with the Spirit.” “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” Galatians 5:25–26 (NLT) The needs of humanity require every follower to respond in compassion and prayer.

How To Pray For Families

There is a scripture from the Old Testament I have been using as a point of prayer. Malachi was the last prophet who spoke for God in the Old Testament period. The next 400 years were a period of silence. No prophet spoke and no angel visited Israel. Malachi prophesied about a coming day when the preaching of God’s messenger would “turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” For years, I have prayed for families, specifically fathers and parents, from this passage. I believe that Malachi’s prophesy reveals the heart of God towards families. God desires that the hearts of fathers and mothers turn towards their children and the hearts of children towards their parents. The health of a family is affected by the hearts the parents have towards each other and towards their children. Family health is also affected by the children’s hearts towards their parents. When family members no longer have a heart for each other, the family can’t help but be dysfunctional. When fracturing occurs, people no longer talk to each other, or care about the welfare of their family members. The complexity of individuals makes family relationships complicated. People disappoint each other, say unkind things, and make assumptions and judgements. Every new person that is added to the family adds to the complication. They each have unique personalities. Each family member has their own hurts, history, unforgiveness, and repeated offenses. The diversity compounds the complexity. The answer to fractured families and broken relationships is found in “turn the hearts.” The Apostle Paul described the attributes of love in 1 Corinthians 13. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT) The love Paul describes is the love of Malachi’s “turned hearts” and the first place it should be found is in families. This Father’s Day weekend, would you join me and pray for families across our country? Pray that God will turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the hearts of children towards their parents. If you and I pray, our hearts will be changed and the “turning” could begin with us.

Find Shelter In The Midst Of Life's Storms

Multiple storms are converging on the world. Their winds are creating levels of uncertainty. The clouds of racial, economic, political, mental illness, drug abuse, violence, war, family breakdown, and moral division are unleashing rain from every direction. In a storm, there is no better place to be than in the “shelter of the Most High.” Unfortunately, there is no avoiding the storms of life. Storms will wreak havoc on everyone. The big question is, “Where will you find shelter?” David included in the Psalms a song from Moses about sheltering in a storm. “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty … He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings…. His faithful promises are your armor and protection … If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter … he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. The LORD says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.’” Psalms 91 (NLT) God never promised a life without storms. He promised, “I will be with them in trouble.” Never go through a storm alone. Run into the shelter of the Most High. God will “shelter you with his wings” and “His faithful promises will be your armor and protection.” When the winds of financial uncertainty blow your way, run to the Lord. When winds of health struggles approach, snuggle under God’s wings. “Jesus, I can’t face this storm alone. I don’t want to face this storm alone, HELP! Jesus loves that kind of prayer!

There Is A Reason To Hope

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth about death and life after death. He quoted the Old Testament Jewish prophets Isaiah and Hosea. For centuries, believers have gained comfort from Paul’s words. “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (NLT) At first glance, someone could assume that death should not be painful or “sting.” The assumption could also be made that grieving, depression, crying and even weeping should not be part of a believer’s response to death. That somehow, death is no big deal. “Get over it” people advise. A close reading of Paul’s words contradicts the simple assumptions that result from careless reading. Paul wrote: “Our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. THEN, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, … ‘Death is swallowed up in victory… .” Paul wasn’t glossing over the pain caused by the death of a loved one. He wasn’t minimizing the brutal loneliness, paralyzing silence, and the loss of touch that the death of a loved one brings. Death hurts. Death stinks. Death is not fair. The stinger of death will ultimately be painless when temporary bodies are transformed into forever bodies. The final blow to death occurs when “dying bodies are transformed into bodies that will never die.” Then believers will declare, “Death is swallowed up in victory!” Paul was trying to breathe hope into believers. He told the church in Thessalonica, “Brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NLT) Paul understood grieving. He experienced grief. He watched people grieve, who have no hope. He watched people grieve, who believed life on earth is all there is to someone’s existence. He saw what happens to people who have no hope of reuniting with loved ones after their earthly life was over. But Paul knew there is something more. There is a reason to hope. Those who die as followers of Jesus open a door and step into an eternal kingdom beyond EVERYONE’S wildest imagination. Once people have been to the eternal kingdom, no one thinks about coming back to earth.

Fear Not

The chaos of the world has become a powerful breeding ground for fear. I get glimpses of fear in the eyes of men, women, young people, and children. People are in fear when they are alone and when they are in groups. People are fearful of the world financial situation, loss of freedoms, war in Europe, ability to get goods, the next court ruling and the political turmoil in Washington D.C. I talk to people that have no reason to fear. Life is up and to the right. They don’t have financial worries; their health is stellar, their family is healthy and beyond functional and yet they worry about some things or everything collapsing. Out of fear, people don masks and hide from each other. The mask keeps people from revealing their true feelings, opinions, and values. Relationships never become what they should be. God regularly commands His people to not be afraid but to be strong and courageous. God desires His people to be free from fear. Fear holds people captive and keeps them from becoming who He wants them to be and living the flourishing life Jesus spoke of. Jesus said, “I came to give life--life in all its fullness.” John 10:10 (NCV) The way to live the life Jesus plans is to focus on the greatness and sovereignty of God. Put your hand in His hand. Give Him access to your heart when you are afraid. He will breathe courage into you. Your circumstances might not change, but the grip of fear on you will loosen. “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” Psalms 23:4 (NLT) “The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” Psalms 27:1 (NLT) “I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4 (NLT) God is the answer to your fears. Turn everything over to Him. Spend time focusing on everything God’s Word says about fear. You’ll be encouraged and strengthened.